An instrument for processing a biological sample includes a chassis. Connected to the chassis is a tape path along which a tape with a matrix of wells can be automatically advanced through the instrument, a dispensing assembly for dispensing the biological sample and a reagent into the matrix of wells of the tape to form a biological sample and reagent mixture, a sealing assembly for sealing the biological sample and reagent mixture in the tape, and an amplification and detection assembly for detecting a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture in the matrix of wells in the tape.

An apparatus is provided comprising a semi-open reaction channel that can be used in the implementation of methods comprising providing liquids to the semi-open reaction channel.

A method for processing a biological material sample includes dispensing a sample into wells of an array tape from a sample plate, dispensing a reagent into the wells of the array tape from a reagent plate, and sealing the sample and the reagent in the array tape. The method further includes cooling the array tape and detecting biological material in the wells of the array tape.

An instrument for processing a biological sample includes a chassis. Connected to the chassis is a tape path along which a tape with a matrix of wells can be automatically advanced through the instrument, a dispensing assembly for dispensing the biological sample and a reagent into the matrix of wells of the tape to form a biological sample and reagent mixture, a sealing assembly for sealing the biological sample and reagent mixture in the tape, and an amplification and detection assembly for detecting a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture in the matrix of wells in the tape.

An interposer for a flow cell comprises a base layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The base layer comprises black polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A first adhesive layer is disposed on the first surface of the base layer. The first adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A second adhesive layer is disposed on the second surface of the base layer. The second adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A plurality of microfluidic channels extends through each of the base layer, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer.

A microfluidic diagnostic device comprises a base and at least one switch coupled to a portion of the base, the switch comprising a flap that is pivotable with respect to the base from a first position spaced away from the base a first distance to a second position where the flap is spaced away from the base a second distance. Both the base and the switch comprise one or more channels that permit passive transportation of an aqueous solution. The switch may be formed by bending or deforming a strip to cause the flap to be in the first position when there is less than a predetermined amount of fluid within the channel of switch. When a predetermined amount of fluid is in the channel of the switch, the flap pivots to the second position, which may be achieved through power from gravity, capillarity, and/or inherent elastic energy.

A histology processing cassette stack having a plurality of cassettes for use in analyzing or processing biological samples is disclosed. The stack of cassettes are arranged in register and threaded on a connecting strip which passes through an aperture in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cassette though a front wall of the cassette. The cassettes are held in fixed relation and may be transported and inserted en bloc into a magazine in a printing system by the connecting strip having a retaining part abutting the bottom cassette and able to bear the weight of the stack of cassettes when suspended. A printing system comprising a housing having a void for receiving a magazine loaded with the stack of cassettes is also disclosed.

A PCR amplification and product detection system is disclosed. The system utilizes a uniform and direct photonic heating subsystem to mediate reaction-by-reaction, high-throughput PCR amplification detectable by a fluorescence detection subsystem. Reaction-by-reaction temperature monitoring for dynamic feedback heat regulation is also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using the same.

A carrier strip having a plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens may have a backing, a cover coupled to the backing along side regions located along opposite longitudinal edges of the carrier strip and along lateral intermediate regions positioned between each of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens. The carrier strip may be configured to individually retain each of the anatomical pathology specimens in one of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens between the backing and the cover. Diagnostic studies of anatomical pathology specimens may be facilitated by distributing a digital copy of an image of the specimen may be to a pathologist. A diagnosis may be received from the pathologist based on the digital image of the specimen.

An interposer for a flow cell comprises a base layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The base layer comprises black polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A first adhesive layer is disposed on the first surface of the base layer. The first adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A second adhesive layer is disposed on the second surface of the base layer. The second adhesive layer comprises methyl acrylic adhesive. A plurality of microfluidic channels extends through each of the base layer, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer.